The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation (MICSTI), Ms. Nthati Moorosi inspected and toured the innovation hub of the University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) laboratory construction at Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) on Thursday.
In her speech, Ms. Moorosi said the event is all about identifying progress in terms of how far the project has gone since its inception in April 2023. She stipulated that the hub should serve the interest of innovators from grass roots level to all tertiary institutions as a National Centre of Excellence.
She said once it is up and running, exhibitions should be held regularly so that the locals are aware of the ideas, products and prototypes available in store.
Minister Moorosi called for regular meetings of the hub Steering Committee so that they are able to act proactively and attend to issues and problems needing their attention quickly.
She thanked UNDP through the Resident Coordinator for always being supportive and ensuring that Lesotho attains her development in various areas.
Furthermore, she said the UNIPOD will also serve as a space where students will become innovators and entrepreneurs while fostering connections with industries, UN agencies and the local community.
She pleaded with all within the campus to support the government, stating that the necessity of the UNIPOD as a great solution in bringing students what they really need in the space of technology.
On behalf of UNDP, the Resident Coordinator, Dr. Jacqueline Olweya reiterated their commitment in supporting the government to transform the country including tertiary institutions into becoming centers of excellence, adding this will accelerate learning for students and talented youth while reinventing the future and transforming lives.
On the same note, Mr. Lebesa Nkune, Head of Solutions Mapping at UNDP said Lesotho will be the 13th African country to have UNIPOD up and running. He indicated that innovation would have woodwork lab, Food Tech Lab, and Video graphics and photography fabrication. Other equipment will also include ICT equipment amongst others.
On the other hand, the LP Rector, Professor Tlali Sepiriti said that the Centre of Excellence is well placed at Lerotholi, noting they are working hand in glove with other tertiary institutions in order to make it a success for the entire nation. It is anticipated that construction should be completed by June 30, 2024, latest.
He appealed to the nation to be aware of the existence of this hub which he said will serve the interest of all innovators and entrepreneurship so as to create jobs, empower even the youth so that their mindset can attract positive things.
Promoting innovation remains one of the key focused areas in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) otherwise Agenda 2030.
Source: LENA 18/4/2024
